Goblet 1870 - 1890

This goblet was produced in the United States by Challinor, Taylor and Company, sometime between 1866 and 1891. It's made of glass, but not just any glass – this is what's known as "agate" glass, due to its resemblance to the banded gemstone. The production of agate glass was achieved by combining different colors of molten glass, swirling them together, and then pressing the mixture into a mold. The key to the process is speed. If you took too long, the colors would simply blend, and you’d get mud. The relative quickness of industrial pressing was perfect for capturing the swirling effect. This kind of glassware reflects the industrial ambitions of the late 19th century. It was an attempt to bring the beauty of rare, natural materials to a mass audience, at an affordable price. So, next time you see an object like this, remember that it's not just about aesthetics, but also about the complex interplay of labor, technology, and aspiration.